Cast Iron

• Mining hardware
• Farm equipment
• Brackets
• Washers
• Pipe fittings
• Hand tools
• Electrical equipment and fittings

Cast iron is a strong, durable metal made by melting iron and adding carbon and other elements. It is known for its hardness, excellent heat retention, and resistance to wear, making it suitable for both structural and decorative applications.

Cast iron has many valuable properties that make it a versatile metal that can be applied in all industries. These properties include the following: Cast iron has a substantial fatigue strength, meaning it can withstand multiple cycles without breaking. It has a substantial tensile strength, meaning it can bear longitudinal stress without tearing. It’s especially malleable, meaning it can deform under pressure without rupturing. It boasts elasticity, meaning it can return to its original dimensions after being deformed. It’s especially ductile, meaning it can deform without fracture. It’s especially tough, meaning it can absorb energy. It’s especially hard, meaning it can resist indentation and abrasion.

Unfortunately, cast iron can rust due to the presence of iron in the material. Iron reacts with oxygen and moisture which forms rust. So, when working with cast iron, it is important to bear this in mind as whatever you create from this material has the potential to rust, as well as the material itself before use. With cast iron, there are ways to prevent it from rusting and this material needs regular maintenance to keep it rust-free. If you notice any discolouration or spots on any of your cast iron creations or the material itself, this can be a sign of rust. To combat this, clean the cast iron item and scrub the affected areas with steel wool or a similar abrasive pad. To prevent cast iron from rusting, you can maintain it by removing any paint, sanding and refinishing. Yet, some items can require more maintenance or may need repairing. For example, if you create a skillet, you may need to regularly season it. This is where you coat the pan with a thin layer of seasoning and bake it in an oven.

A popular question when it comes to cast iron is “can you weld cast iron?” The answer to this isn’t straightforward, as you can weld it; however, it can be a challenge to weld it. There are various grades of cast iron which have different weldabilities. The grey cast iron is the most common type, but there is also malleable and ductile cast iron. So, for the most common type of cast iron, it is difficult to weld but not impossible. The reason why it’s so difficult to weld is because it is high in carbon which hardens and becomes brittle during the welding process. It is wrong to assume all cast iron is the same when welding, however, it is hard to decipher which type of cast iron you are working with as they are difficult to differentiate. So, how do you weld cast iron? Well, if you are an excellent welder, it is possible to weld this material using a few welders. You may be able to use MIG and TIG to weld it in some circumstances. But it can come with serious, strong cautions. The best welder and welding technique to use for cast iron is a manual metal arc (MMA). When welding cast iron good practice and patience are key. Ensure to control the expansion and contraction of your work and pre-heat the cast iron gently to help minimise thermal shock. Wherever you can heat the casting and weld using the lowest possible amperage. Use a nickel MMA welding rod as this rod will give you the best results and can help cast iron to be welded without becoming too brittle.